Umar Akmal’s ban over corruption charges reduced to 18 months

Pakistan middle-order batsman Umar Akmal’s ban over corruption charges has been reduced to 18 months by an independent adjudicator.

Former Supreme Court judge Mr Justice (retd) Faqir Muhammad Khokhar, in his capacity as an independent adjudicator, gave his decision on Umar Akmal’s appeal after listening to the arguments of both sides.

Akmal had been banned for three years, from all cricket, by Chairman of the Disciplinary Panel Mr Justice (retired) Fazal-e-Miran Chauhan, back in April this year — after he was charged for two breaches of Article 2.4.4 of the PCB Anti-Corruption Code in two unrelated incidents.

The 30-year-old was not entirely satisfied with the decision despite the reduction in his ban.

“I’m not satisfied with the decision because other players, who committed a similar offence, were banned for a lesser period. I will consult my legal team before challenging this decision on another forum,” said Akmal.

The right-handed batsman was provisionally suspended on February 20, 2020, just before the beginning of Pakistan Super League (PSL) season five.

Akmal will be eligible to play cricket again from August 19, 2021.